Seven False Concepts Of Yoga ( Yoga Can't Burn Fat Is One Of Them )

By Scott McLeod


Flexibility is required to do yoga. "I can't go to yoga, I'm not flexible."

* Yoga is FOR flexibility! : ) Yoga helps increase your flexibility but doesn't require any to start! Maybe you are worried of looking like a fool in front of other yoga aficionados.

* Well, just so you know, there are PLENTY of people in yoga class at the bottom of the totem pole in terms of flexibility. You gotta start somewhere, right? The important part is STARTING. If you feel a little uneasy in front more experienced people start at home and build your confidence. But in reality? I wouldn't worry about it!

Guys don't do yoga... that's for chicks

* Rubbish! The beginnings of yoga started thousands of years ago with MEN and its original masters known by "yogis" were MEN. I understand that their is a more traditional perception that yoga is more for females but that is a very outdated notion. Just take a look around a yoga studio or yoga class at your gym. A lot more dudes than you'd expect!

* The benefits of yoga are on too large of scale to be relegated to only one gender of the human species and its catching on. Equality of sexes in yoga acceptance is rapidly being realized. Many studio owners discuss that their student ratios are now 2:1 female to male, while 10 years ago or later it was only 10:1. A LOT has changed. Plus there is the argument for you fellas that it can't be all bad being outnumbered by a group of health conscious women!

Yoga aint cheap!

* There is FREE "anything" on YouTube, not to mention Yoga workouts. There are websites with diagrams and written instructions. All programs are not created equal and each may be tailored to meet specific goals but to start out there is really no excuse in this information age. I like to purchase money back guaranteed programs so that I have an investment that motivates me but at the same time if the program is crap I can return it. Its a good model for many.

* Sometimes its much better to have some social interaction and enjoy the community aspect of an in person class. Most medium to larger facilities offer yoga as well as other exercise classes at no charge or at a slightly higher monthly membership fee. The big chains like Gold's Gym, L.A. Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness almost all offer yoga classes.

* The health benefits alone are going to save you doctor visits and prescription medications. A small monthly gym membership is well worth it in the long run, not only to your health but your pocketbook!

Hippies and 20 year somethings do yoga, not me

* This is a social perception that may have held more weight in decades past but not so anymore. There are no lines segregating factions. When yoga was unknown and first being introduced it WAS more accepted and practiced by more free-spirited "hippy" type of individuals. It was after all a new and "eccentric" eastern practice. Now we know its true irrefutable value.

* SO, because theses irrefutable health benefits being proven more and more by well-planned and funded scientific research studies, the practical benefits are just too good to turn a blind eye to, regardless of any demographic you belong to.

Yoga is not for weight loss

* FALSE indeed. The reasons yoga contributes and causes weight loss may be a bit of a surprise. Many of the mechanisms are not well-known and some of them are based on more spiritual philosophies of eastern thought. But it is enough to say that someone who suffers from obesity is under the heavy hand of an under-achieving metabolic system.

* Yoga increases blood flow and perfusion to your entire body systems. Shifts and contortions performed in poses therapeutically "squeeze" your organs, inevitably leading to more blood flow, optimal function and toxin removal. Proper circulation allows the body to naturally remove toxins, like a river sweeping away debris. Good circulation also delivers more oxygen and nutrients in order to optimally carry out metabolic function and body transformation.

* In an emotional context, the body harbors pain and negativity. Our baggage likes to hide out and weight us down. Yoga not only relaxes the body but also releases these negative entities allowing us to feel lighter and more care-free. Baggage negatively affects our health and well being. Release it!

* Energy centers - Yoga unblocks your energy centers or (chakras) within the body that regulate everything from the immune system to digestion. Many things can kind of "constipate" these energy centers and slow down our bodies. Whether or not you choose to believe this, much research is beginning to unearth this truth, and nonetheless dramatic health improvements are made.

There aren't other forms of Yoga

* Many different schools of yoga exist and each may emphasize one thing more than another. Hatha yoga is the most well-known style of yoga but many in western society are becoming familiar with Vinyasa or Flow Yoga, Bikram or Hot Yoga as well as Power Yoga. Meditation also falls under the heading of yoga. So as you can see there are many styles. We will not discuss their attributes or differences here.

Yoga cannot be practiced by persons with injuries or chronic pain

* Yoga has been shown to alleviate many chronic pain conditions, most notably, chronic back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain advisements and precautions should be taken depending on a person's medical condition. These conditions should be discussed with your yoga instructor in order to minimize concerns and maximize benefit.




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